Skin Cancer Treatment in Buffalo, NY | Lisa Ball, NP PLLC
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Early evaluation of suspicious or changing areas of skin can help identify skin cancer and determine the appropriate treatment. Common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
At Lisa Ball, NP PLLC at the Neiman Dermatology Building in Buffalo, NY, we evaluate suspicious skin growths and provide individualized care for patients with skin cancer.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow in an uncontrolled way. There are several types of skin cancer, with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma being the most common.
Skin cancer can develop on any area of the skin, including areas that receive regular sun exposure as well as areas that are less exposed to the sun.
Types of Skin Cancer
The most common types of skin cancer include:
- Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. It often develops on areas of the skin that receive significant sun exposure and may appear as a new growth, sore, or changing area.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A common skin cancer that may appear as a rough, scaly patch, firm growth, or sore that does not heal.
- Melanoma: A less common but potentially more serious form of skin cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells and may appear as a new or changing mole or dark spot.
Different types of skin cancer can look different, and some may resemble other skin conditions. A professional evaluation is important when a spot or growth is concerning.
What Are the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer can have many different appearances. Changes that should be evaluated include:
- A new growth or spot on the skin
- A sore that does not heal
- A spot that continues to grow or change
- Bleeding or crusting
- A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
- A spot that looks different from the others on your skin
- A rough or scaly area that persists
If you notice a new or changing area of skin, don’t wait for it to resolve on its own. An evaluation can help determine whether further testing is needed.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
If a skin growth or lesion is suspicious, your provider may recommend additional evaluation or a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a sample of skin so that it can be examined under a microscope.
If skin cancer is diagnosed, treatment depends on factors such as the type of skin cancer, its size and location, and how deeply it has grown.
Depending on the individual diagnosis, treatment may involve:
- Surgical removal
- Prescription topical treatment for certain skin cancers
- Referral for specialized treatment when appropriate
- Follow-up examinations to monitor the treated area and check for additional skin cancers
Your provider will discuss the appropriate next steps based on your individual diagnosis.
When Should You Have a Skin Growth Checked?
You should consider having a skin growth evaluated if it is new, changing, growing, bleeding, crusting, or not healing.
It is also important to have a spot evaluated if it looks noticeably different from the other spots on your skin or if you are concerned about a change that you have noticed.
Skin Cancer Treatment in Buffalo, NY
At Lisa Ball, NP PLLC at the Neiman Dermatology Building, we provide personalized medical dermatology care for patients with suspicious skin lesions and diagnosed skin cancer.
Our practice serves patients throughout Buffalo and surrounding communities, including Williamsville, Amherst, Clarence, Orchard Park, and East Aurora.
During your visit, your provider will evaluate the area of concern and discuss whether further testing, treatment, or follow-up care may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatment
What are the most common types of skin cancer?
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each type can have different characteristics and treatment considerations.
What does skin cancer look like?
Skin cancer can look different depending on the type. It may appear as a new growth, changing mole, rough or scaly patch, sore that does not heal, or an area that bleeds or crusts. Because skin cancer can resemble other skin conditions, suspicious areas should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Does skin cancer always need to be treated?
When skin cancer is diagnosed, treatment is generally recommended based on the type and characteristics of the cancer. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual diagnosis.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
A suspicious area may be evaluated during a skin examination. If additional testing is needed, a biopsy may be performed so that a skin sample can be examined under a microscope.
Can skin cancer come back after treatment?
Some people who have had skin cancer may develop another skin cancer or experience recurrence. Follow-up examinations and regular skin checks can help monitor for changes and identify new or recurring skin cancers.
When should I see a provider about a suspicious mole or skin growth?
Have a mole or skin growth evaluated if it is new, changing, growing, bleeding, crusting, or not healing. If you notice a spot that concerns you, a professional evaluation can help determine whether further testing is necessary.
